A dental night guard can become gross pretty quick. The good news is, you don’t have to deal with the funky smells and color changes if you take the time to learn about and care for your device. Proper care and maintenance will ensure a longer lifetime for your dental guard. Letting saliva and water sit in your guard can turn it from a nice clear to yellow and scary-looking FAST.

What is a night guard?

A night guard is a plastic device designed specifically for your dental anatomy. It is meant to be worn over your teeth while sleeping. Night guards help to reduce damage and discomfort caused by nighttime bruxism (bruxism is grinding of the teeth).

Many customers wonder “how do I clean my night guard?”

Or “It’s turning yellow! Why?”

PREVENTING YOUR NIGHT GUARD FROM TURNING YELLOW

Because the mouth is moist and warm, it is an ideal home and breeding ground for bacteria and other unwelcome guests. Some bodily bacteria is normal and healthy, but dental devices such as night guards should remain sterile, clean, and dry between uses to avoid problems like bad breath (halitosis), discoloration of the guard, and stow-away debris such as food particles and plaque.

In a nutshell

This article includes various methods for cleaning your custom night guard. While basic hygiene principles are universal for all night guards, it is important to speak to your dentist or other manufacturer about specific care and maintenance instructions, since night guard materials may vary.

Having said that, here’s a quick summary of the key concepts common to all nightguards:

All night guards should be cleaned between uses and before being stored.

After cleaning, it is important to completely dry your night guard prior to storage.

Your night guard case or holder should also be cleaned and dried regularly, since dust, bacteria, and other nasties like to congregate in dark, damp environments.

Even with proper care, night guards wear out over time, so it is important to check yours for signs of aging. You may notice that your night guard doesn’t fit as well after some time (typically months or years) and you may even be able to see or feel imperfections in the surface or structure of the guard. When in doubt, check with your dentist, night guard lab, or other dental health provider.

Example Cleaning Regimen

1. Brush the guard thoroughly with baking soda or toothpaste. Note: some toothpastes can be too harsh and abrasive to use on your night guard.

*Update* We have experienced positive results (personally and through customer feedback) from using a more natural organic cleanser such as Dr Bronners Peppermint soap . Dr. Bronners is a multi purpose cleansing product made with organic oils, and no detergents. It leaves your guard smelling fresh and feels magnificently clean. This will not remove existing stains but when used as part of your cleaning regimen, can help preserve the longevity and prevent further staining.

2. Dry it with a soft cloth.

3. Rinse out the case or holder.

Every Week

1. After brushing the guard, soak it for ten (10) minutes in a glass of antiseptic mouthwash.

2. Dry it with a soft cloth.

3. Brush the case with baking soda or toothpaste and then soak it for ten minutes in a glass of antiseptic mouthwash.

Of course, another common approach is to combine several of these techniques in a unique routine best-suited to the individual. Whatever approach you take, it is highly recommended that you speak with your night guard lab or an oral health professional to make sure that you don’t use a cleaning method that would be too abrasive or otherwise inappropriate for your specific night guard.

Decisions, decisions…

Mild soap and water

Baking soda

Toothpaste

Mouthwash

Hydrogen peroxide

Vinegar

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand some of the options available for cleaning your night guard. This information, together with input from your lab or dental health specialist, will help to ensure that your night guard stays safe and effective for as long as possible.

Looking to replace your existing nightguard? We offer three different types of true custom made dental nightguards; hard, soft and hybrid. In addition to our satisfaction guarantee & replacement warranty, we also give a 20% discount if you spend over $200. Simply type in coupon code “big spender” in the promo code box at checkout. Happy shopping!

When Glamour magazine ran an article last month about preventative aging & the benefits of wearing a night guard, many became enlightened to one of the sneakiest signs of aging. Teeth grinding and (as a result) teeth shortening.

Our Skin Is Nothing Without Good Bones, Muscles and Teeth Structure

Sometimes we forget that our skin is just an envelope for our bones and muscles. If a person undergoes changes to the teeth, whether they have them removed (and replace with dentures) or if the teeth have become much shorter over time, it is common to notice sagging skin around the mouth and chin.

Physically, teeth grinding can have some long lasting effects. After years of wearing the teeth down, the face can develop a noticeable sagging appearance that cannot be fixed with anything less than expensive cosmetic work.

The Problem With Short Teeth

It’s no secret that teeth play a big role in the overall appearance of the face. The wearing down of teeth because of grinding and or clenching is a tell-tale sign of aging. Teeth that are too short age you. Other notable characteristics that can occur from teeth grinding are an enlarged jaw muscle (protrusion), and stress lines around the mouth.

Check to see if your teeth are too short

Stand in front of a mirror with your lips slightly apart in a relaxed position. If you relax your mouth and just leave it agape slightly, there should be between 1-3mm of tooth exposure. Do you see a little bit of your front teeth? If you do not, your teeth may be too short. This is not always a result of teeth grinding. This can simply be your natural dental anatomy. If you wish to have your teeth extended you can opt for direct bonding or porcelain veneers.

The Good News

It’s preventative.

A night guard acts as a preventative to the effects of teeth grinding and teeth aging. Think of it as putting your teeth in a perfectly fitting case each night before bed so that they remain safe and protected against well…yourself.

Simply wearing a night guard at night will prevent your teeth from wearing down. 1 in 10 people grind their teeth at night. A custom made dental guard is far less expensive than restorative cosmetic work. Preserve your teeth & face the natural way. It’s just as important and routine as putting face moisturizer on at night to prevent dryness and excess wrinkles.

Ok So You’ve Decided To Wear A Night Guard. Great!

Now Keep It Clean

As you probably well know, wet and dark places are a great breeding ground for bacteria. Your night guard can go from a nice clear to yellow and smelly in a matter of months. Make sure you store your night guard in its original case. Clean with a soft toothbrush and a little toothpaste. Rinse thoroughly and store DRY. Dry is the secret to a clean long lasting night guard. You do not want water sitting in your guard night after night. Additionally, Efferdent makes a really great denture/retainer cleaner you can use once a week to preserve the life of your guard.

Additional Ways To Keep Yourself Young

Take Care of Yourself In A Natural Way

Consumers will spend 290 billion dollars this year (globally) on anti-aging products. There is always a latest and greatest product that claims reverse aging results. We think the best way to keep that healthy young look can be achieved spending as little money as possible.

Wearing a night guard has so many benefits! It prevents cracking and breaking of natural teeth and dental work. It will protect a new set of porcelain veneers, bonding, crowns & bridge work. If you wake up in the morning with jaw soreness, tension or pain this can be a sign that you’re either clenching your teeth at night or grinding them together.